I’ve embarked on a rain barrel journey this year, and wasn’t sure how to handle the part about diverting the water. At first, I just wanted to cut the drain pipe off and let it run into the barrel. Simple and inexpensive. Then I started reading how quickly the barrel could fill up, and the ones I purchased aren’t that well designed for overflow capability, will just run off the top.
I bought a different kind of diverter first, didn’t like how complicated it was, so I went for this thing. I have 4x3 gutters, and these fit just right, definitely collect water well. Thanks to a really detailed review from someone before me, I learned that I could set up a PVC conduit to get the water to the barrel, for far less $$ than buying the full EarthMinded kit. The diverter itself is the critical piece; well, that and the hole saw.
To use this, you need a 2 1/8 inch hole saw that can cut aluminum. The problem is that most are made for wood. Persist, and use a bit of lubricating grease or oil on the teeth as you work. It took me about ten to fifteen minutes of gentle, steady pressure and persistence to make the hole, which seems nuts when you think how easy it is to cut off a drain pipe with a hacksaw.
But—once that hole is made, you’re home free. Wad this up like a taco, insert it easily, and drill two small holes (7/64 drill bit worked great) for the retention screws that are included with this diverter.
I used 1 1/2 inch PVC pipe and the appropriate connector fittings to then route the rainwater to the barrel mouth. Tip: use 45 degree angled fittings, two per barrel setup, and it gives you a lot more flexibility than if you go 90 degrees, plus easier flow. I bought the same size end caps, too; in winter, I’ll remove the pipes from outside, and cap off the diverter hole. (I took the diverter with me to the hardware store, just to be sure everything would fit.)
Basically, once you get the hole in the gutter pipe worked out, the rest is simplicity itself. And my barrels are collecting like gangbusters. In light rain, they get most all of it—because rain flows down around the sides of the pipe when it isn’t heavy. In heavy rain, the whole pipe can be filled, but that’s why you need to be able to let some go. I actually still had to buy some secondary ‘overflow’ barrels for where the gutter spout covers a lot of roofline.
So, if you’re considering this, go for it. It’s pretty great at collecting, nicely cosmetic (I can hide the piping for the barrels off to the side with this gizmo. There’s a different shape one by same mfr for if you want it off the front or back (4 inch wide side) instead of the 3 inch sides.), and not too tough to install. After the first one went well, I got five more, so you know I had to like this! Plus, it’s probably the most cost effective option short of cutting off your gutter spout to drain directly, and then you have more foundation risk issues.
| Manufacturer | EarthMark |
|---|---|
| Part Number | F-RN094 |
| Item Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 4 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Black |
| Material | EPDM |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
